F-8 Crusader 149210 and its drivers, by Chris Monier – new improved edition

Advertising Book readyIn April of 2011, I presented Chris Monier’s excellent book “F-8 Crusader 149210 and its drivers” in these colums. I had the pleasure of contributing to the book with a few profiles. In my review of it, I explained I thought it was a novel and very interesting approach to aviation history. Collecting anecdotes and documentation from all types of people associated with the aircraft (pilots, mechanics, wives…) brings the book very much to life.

A new expanded edition of the book is now available in hardcover, with an extra 20 pages and lower cost! If you’re looking for a great gift idea for a Crusader afficionado (yourself or a friend), then this book will not disappoint you!

To order the book, contact Chris Monier by email (email hidden; JavaScript is required). The cost of this book is 27.50€ (including 5.50€ of S&H).

Here is the review I had made of the first edition of the book:

 

It is difficult to come up with an idea that is both original and interesting in the world of aviation books. Chris Monier has managed to do this with this book, which is dedicated to F-8 Crusader BuNo 149210.

Everything started when the author purchased the nose section of 149210 in France in 2000. The aircraft was part of a set purchased by the French Navy to use as spare parts supply for its last Crusader (the French operated the Crusader until 1999).

Having salvaged the nose section, Chris Monier decided to try to learn more about this aircraft. Over several years of research, he managed to piece back together “his” Crusader’s history. And what a history! For example, “Old 149210″ was flown by Phil Vampatella on 12 June 1966. On this day, Vampatella was the wingman to Cdr Hal Marr, who scored the first Crusader kill. Vampatella later also became a “MiG killer”. 149210 turned out to be a real veteran, having flown several deployments over Vietnam and served with many US Navy and Marine Corps squadrons.

Chris Monier not only managed to discover 149210′s history, but he also found many of the pilots who actually flew it, hence the title. These men shared pictures, log books and stories with the author, who turned all of this material into a book. Some of these pilots became famous while others were never in the limelight, but all had great memories to share.

This is what makes Monier’s book so interesting: it is written in an unorthodox yet very appealing way. It is a collection of anecdotes, combat reports, miscellaneous pieces of information that, combined together, make for a fascinating and refreshing read.

The book is edited by the author, and can be purchased for 32€ + S&H. Please note that there are few remaining copies, so if you would like to purchase a copy of the book, quickly contact the author by email.

“F-8 Crusader and its drivers, the amazing tale of a US fighter jet throughout the Vietnam War”, in english, 112 pages, numerous colour and B&W pictures and artwork.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2013/10/31/f-8-crusader-149210-and-its-drivers-by-chris-monier-new-improved-edition/

16 comments

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    • Larry Violette on November 8, 2017 at 1:32 AM
    • Reply

    It”s a rare book indeed that celebrates the career of one particular example of a mass produced warplane.Besides being memorialized in a book, three plastic model kits by three manufacturers were made of this particular plane and noted artist Philip West depicted this plane in his painting CHECKMATE-211.

    • Rich Calma on June 15, 2018 at 5:04 PM
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    It is a wonderful book! I was given a copy personally signed by Chris and my uncle, Phil Vampatella. A “fun fact” on the Philip West painting–That scene never happened as illustrated. Phil said he and Marr got separated after he got his kill (Phil missed getting one on that day) and Marr got back to the Hancock first.

    1. Fun fact indeed ! I didn’t know about that. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    • Cynthia on April 25, 2019 at 3:15 PM
    • Reply

    Hi I am trying to order this book…. anyway you can suggest I get it? I emailed the author a few times with no luck. Thx

    1. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to reach the author either (I’ve been trying for the past several months) and I don’t know of any way to order the book except through him.

        • Rich on March 19, 2020 at 10:13 PM
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        Phil ordered my book from Chris, I’ll ask him if he has a contact for Chris.

          • Rob Kuhlmann on July 18, 2020 at 9:30 PM
          • Reply

          I too am trying to obtain this! Sent an email but have doubts it’s still active

    • Rob Kuhlmann on July 18, 2020 at 10:14 PM
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    I gotta have this book! And I know others now interested! Looking up Escape Publishing; nothing, his email; seems to be old. Who’s got connections?????

    1. I’ve sent you an email. 🙂

    • Donncha Duffy on July 19, 2020 at 1:17 AM
    • Reply

    I’m also looking for a copy but am unable to contact the author ..please help.

    1. Hello. I’ve sent you an email as well !

    • Dave on August 18, 2020 at 10:53 PM
    • Reply

    I would like a copy as well. We have a family member in the book.

    1. Hello. If you send me your contact info via the contact form of the website, and I will forward it to Chris Monier so he can reach out to you.

        • Jeanette Newman on August 20, 2020 at 5:15 AM
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        Thank you, I did. 🙂

    • Adam on September 26, 2020 at 3:19 AM
    • Reply

    G’Day I’m trying to chase down a copy of this book

    1. Hello. I’ve recently updated the article with the author’s new email address, which you can reach to contact him.

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